Molecular evolution and in vitro characterization of Botryllus histocompatibility factor

摘要: Botryllus schlosseri is a colonial ascidian with natural ability to anastomose another colony form vascular and hematopoietic chimera. In order fuse, two individuals must share at least one allele the highly polymorphic fuhc locus. Otherwise, blood-based inflammatory response will occur resulting in melanin scar sites of interaction. The single-locus genetic control allorecognition makes B. an attractive model study underlying molecular mechanisms. Over past decade, several candidate genes involved have been identified, but how they ultimately contribute outcome remains poorly understood. Here, we report our initial characterization recently identified allodeterminant called histocompatibility factor (bhf). bhf, both on DNA protein level, locus studied so far and, unlike other known determinants, does not appear be under any balancing or directional selection. Additionally, second isoform through mRNA-Seq EST assembly library which missing exon 3, C-terminally truncated form. We via whole-mount fluorescent situ hybridization that subset cells co-express bhf cfuhc sec . Finally, observed BHF’s localization HEK293T cytoplasmic side plasma membrane addition nucleus nuclear signal. Given data thus far, hypothesize BHF may function as scaffolding complex proteins, rather than functioning determinant.